China to Require Approval on Operator Change for Imported Games
17173.com, 4/28/09
The Chinese Ministry of Culture (MOC) has released a notice pertaining to the standardization of content examination and approval for imported online gaming products. The announcement states that if an imported online game changes domestic operator, the existing approval number will be automatically revoked, and the new operating company shall reapply to the MOC for approval.
The announcement clearly stipulates that the imported online game must be a complete version, and prior to the review process, cannot be tested or operated on a large scale. Furthermore, if an upgraded version of the online game becomes available, the new version needs to be examined as well. Based on this regulation, after 3D MMORPG World of Warcraft's transition to Netease (Nasdaq: NTES) this June, the company will need to reapply to the MOC for approval. This includes not only approval for the recent "Wrath of the Lich King" expansion pack, but also the earliest version of World of Warcraft, plus the first expansion pack, The Burning Crusade.
Editor's Note: Netease recently obtained the 3-year exclusive mainland operating rights to WoW, beating out incumbent operator The9 (Nasdaq: NCTY)
Keywords: policy The9 NCTY Burning Crusade expansion pack Internet Ministry of Culture MMORPG Netease NTES online gaming regulation WoW Wrath of the Lich King
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